You’re invited to a discussion on the increasing problem of Ocean Plastics. Can we use our expertise to map out solutions for the future?

84% - Of the British Public are now concerned about the levels of plastic in the ocean (Greenpeace)

43% - The increase in number of plastic bottles washed up on UK beaches in 2015

12.7 million tonnes - The estimated amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean each year (Greenpeace)

Along with millions of tons of microplastics, up to 35 million plastic bottles are sold in the UK each day. Around half are recycled, with the balance ending up in landfill or in our oceans. The number of plastic bottles washed up on UK beaches increased by 43% in 2015, and predictions suggest that we’ll have more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. It’s also hard to comprehend that unless some has been burned, every bit of plastic ever made will still be in existence, with the marine environment housing millions of tons.

Does it have to be this way? Perhaps not, it’s time for solutions! There has been a sharp increase in interest in the health of the Oceans from media, business and a remarkable new generation of Ocean entrepreneurs. On June 29th Mott McDonald will be addressing this issue at a free one day conference in Cambridge. They will be asking if ocean plastics is the next big environmental challenge and need your help, expertise and vision to map out the solutions.